Department of Violence Prevention Archives

Several youth in black shirts stand in line preparing to speak at an Oakland City Council meeting.

Oakland finds money to prevent most cuts to Department of Violence Prevention

by Eli Wolfe September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee approved an additional $3.3 million to pay for the department’s contracts with community-based organizations.

A woman lifts her hands to the sky while sitting on the floor of a large open studio space with her back to the camera next to a young girl in a pink sweatshirt. Another child can be seen in a mirror also holding their arms up to the sky.

Arts & Community

At this East Oakland salon, violence prevention starts with self-care

by Celeste Hamilton Dennis August 14, 2023August 16, 2023

Hair stylists are often a shoulder to cry on for their clients. The Self-i.s.h. Society is taking it further by offering onsite therapy, healing circles, massage, and more.

From a view inside the car, a man drives a vehicle with his hand on the steering wheel. He has a concerned look on his face as he looks out the window, towards the camera.

City Hall & Policing

What violence prevention in Oakland looks like

by Florence Middleton August 7, 2023August 29, 2023

The city is cutting the Department of Violence Prevention’s budget by $4.4 million to help address a historic deficit. We followed a violence interrupter to see what could be lost.

Police Chief Darren Allison, wearing a police uniform, stands as a podium in Oakland City Hall. Behind him are a police captain, Kentrell Killens, the chief of violence prevention for Oakland, and City Administrator Jestin Johnson.

City Hall & Policing

A show of unity after Oakland suffers 4 homicides in 10 hours

by Darwin BondGraham July 20, 2023July 20, 2023

Oakland’s police chief and chief of violence prevention outlined the city’s strategies for dealing with gun violence.

A group of people standing and sitting in a large room with pillars in the background. Several have their fists raised in the air. A man in the background is addressing an unseen audience.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland’s innovative anti-violence program funded through summer, but what then?

by Eli Wolfe June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

Department of Violence Prevention contractors protested against budget cuts. The City Council has yet to decide on a final spending plan.

City Hall & Policing

How can Oakland reduce gun violence? Community advocate John Jones III sees a path forward

by Jacob Simas December 19, 2022February 6, 2023

The East Oakland native talks about his work interrupting violence before it happens, what a new mayor can and can’t do, and restoring community networks in neighborhoods wounded by gun violence.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland is giving small grants to support healing for those injured by violence

by Cayla Mihalovich October 27, 2022October 27, 2022

The Department of Violence Prevention “mini-grants” are for small nonprofits and individuals leading community healing initiatives. The deadline to apply is Nov. 3.